The Kentoku Archipelago is a volcanic island chain situated to the far east of Mata Nui. The archipelago is comprised of five large islands with dozens of smaller ones scattered between them. Most of the islands of the archipelago are within sight of a few others and, despite the straits separating them, are easily accessible by bridges or quick ferries. While each island has its own unique climate, the general feel of the archipelago is wet and temperate; the volcano that birthed the Kentoku islands is long dormant. The majority of the islands' original terrain is flat grassland with rolling hills; where Dasaka civilization has not permeated, these calm natural landscapes are visible. On the archipelago, metal ores are exceedingly rare and valuable, but crystalline protodermis is in abundance; as such, most Dasaka structures and machines are made up of wood, stone, and manipulated (or “grown”) crystal. Many of the islands' native flora and fauna have been long since driven to extinction, or else domesticated, leaving very little wildlife on the archipelago. The five islands of note are:

Sado (SAY-doe), despite being the smallest of the main islands, is capital of the empire. Over the centuries, Sado has been incessantly urbanized to accommodate the ever-growing city and Imperial Palace; at this point, almost all of Sado is covered with towering, elegant crystalline structures. The only undeveloped land still visible on the island is a small strip of sandy beach that runs along a third of the island. Centrally situated, Sado is next to Odaiba and within sight off all other islands save Kozu. From a distance, Sado looks like a complex gem, and its structures are oriented to catch the sun at all times of day and shine it back up into the sky, creating beautiful patterns against the clouds.

Oki (OH-kee) is the most biologically diverse island in the archipelago, as close to a jungle as is possible in this climate, though severely lacking when compared to Mata Nui’s Le-Wahi jungle swamp or Ga-Wahi river delta. As most of the islands are deficient of animal life, this island is the largest remaining home to dozens of near-extinct plants and animals, the only other known specimens being in captivity in the gardens of the Imperial Palace. A thriving population of minor clans lives on Oki; they are generally ambivalent towards the politics of the empire, unless the sanctity of their island's natural beauty is brought into question. The Umbraline Clan hailed from Oki, and still carries weight in the island's day-to-day affairs.

Odaiba (oh-day-BAH) is the largest of the five main islands, its landmass almost equivalent to the other four largest islands combined. Home to over a dozen minor clans, it is the breadbasket of the empire. Most of this island is involved in food production; fields, pastures and orchards sit on the island's gently rolling hills, dominating view and banishing most native flora and fauna. Odaiba's most interesting feature, however, is Mount Koshiki (Ko-SHE-kee), the largest and most intimidating mountain within the archipelago. In antiquity it was an active volcano, but now it is an extinct mountaintop, home to one of the few native creatures that pose a threat to the Dasaka: the Kanohi Dragons. The crater atop Mount Koshiki is a poisonous, stagnant lake heated by geothermal gases.

Iki (EYE-kee) is terribly devoid of plant and animal life, even by Dasaka standards. This little island makes up for its barrenness in wealth of natural resources, most importantly crystalline protodermis and other precious minerals. Ores and gems flow out of this mining island, shipped from its many docks to the Imperial Palace to be refined and crafted; these sea-lanes are the lifeblood of the Dasaka economy. Not surprisingly, Iki is the Datsana Clan’s home island, and it is from here they were able to launch themselves not only into the imperial economy, but into politics as well.

Kozu (KO-zoo) is unique in two ways: it is the only island not directly visible from the Sado, and it is completely controlled by the Fursic Clan. What they do there half the time is a mystery, but until any concrete evidence shows up of misuse of trust, nobody minds Kozu much. Kozu is unremarkable in landscape; similar to Odaiba, it's mostly rolling hills and grasslands, with a small, token mountain - another dead volcanic development - at one corner.

The Imperial Palace:
More of a city than anything else, the Imperial Palace is the jewel of the Kentoku Archipelago. Taking up most of the island of Sado, the city is hexagonal in shape, with six distinct sections forming the outer ring and the Imperial Residences at its center. Made almost entirely of crystalline protodermis, The Imperial Palace is a place of sheer beauty as well as defense, the only locale never to have been conquered by an opposing force in wartime. Lightstones line its elegant crystal corridors and glow both during the day and at night; it could be said that this place never sleeps. Local landmarks include:

-The Imperial Residences: Located in the center ring of the Palace, this is where the imperial family lives, works, and presides. Spacious bedrooms, meeting halls, living quarters, and the Throne Room all are located within. Only high-ranking Dasaka are permitted entrance here.-Towers of Knowledge: The educational center of the empire. Home to the most prestigious of schools, the finest of museums, and the best libraries, these towers stand as the tallest pinnacles of the palace. Past, present, and future all collide here in unusual harmony; the silence of studying and research is at home next to the bustle of active discovery. The Dasaka's archives are also stored here, the annals of their entire cultural memory recorded within.-The Coliseum: The social center of the empire, it is here where all the major sports and other spectator events take place, everything from Paoro to gladiator combat to theatrical performances. There is always an event going on here, and considering the myriad of inns and eateries bordering it to accommodate the constant influx of Dasaka, it is the premier meeting and gathering place on Sado.-The Yards: Military stronghold and training facility. Here is where young Menti warriors go to be trained in the art of psionic and physical warfare. There are schools, training grounds, and instructors dedicated to each discipline stored within. In addition, the palace's docks are located nearby, so the Imperial Navy has its base of operation here as well. Besides the Imperial Residences, this is the most heavily guarded and fortified place in the entire empire.-The Wards: The massive apartment complex of the palace. Here is where most of the population of the palace lives and sleeps when not working, making it by far the largest section of the city. Most rooms are sparse if not comfortable, clean, and airy, and usually have two to three rooms, depending on the need. The wealthiest and most influential citizens occupy the penthouses on the top levels. Few Menti warriors live here, as their bunks are either in their barracks or other assigned areas per their duties.-The Markets: The economic center of the empire. Anything and everything is either produced here, sold here, or can be otherwise acquired here. More money and trade goods pass through this section of the empire than all the other islands combined, making the ideal place to do business. The upper classes prefer not to go here, as social order, stigma, and pride tend to keep them away from the lower castes. Still, one can find them here often enough, wandering the stalls on the hunt for special items (though the highest of Menti will usually send servants or couriers to do their business for them).-The Gardens: The massive park that takes up a large swath of the city. From a distance, the elegant layered gardens seem to hang in the air unsupported. A place of beauty and serenity, the gardens are valued therapeutically as places to seek peace and enlightenment. The rarest of plants, endangered species, and cultivating greenhouses spot this place; the gardens are proudly home to a large collection of flora and fauna that are extinct elsewhere on the archipelago. The gardens are sealed off to the lower castes; their values are reserved for the nobility of the empire. However, the healing centers below it are, by necessity, available to any needing assistance.

The Dasaka are the BZPRPG's Toa, Turaga, and Matoran of Psionics. They come from the Kentoku Archipelago, and as such their society and culture are very different from those of the Toa of Mata Nui. Below you'll find all you need to know about Dasaka history, culture, powers, and more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Definitions

Kentoku Society & History

Three Virtues

Castes

Gender Imbalance

Menti Powers

Clans

Individuals of Note

Visual Aspects of Culture

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1. LIST OF DEFINITIONSDasaka (DAH-suh-kah): the species equivalent of Toa, but also an umbrella name for the species as a whole. Dasaka individuals can be learned in up to four disciplines of the mind depending upon rank and experience.Dashi (DAH-shee): the species equivalent of Matoran, but also the name for the working class and the title for those in that class.Dastana (Dah-STAH-nah): a relatively new clan that is a conglomeration of merchants and businesspeople. Datsue (DAHT-soo-ay): the species equivalent of Turaga. These are revered elders who exist outside the social hierarchy. Generally retain some of the disciplines of the mind.Fursic (FURR-sick): an old and powerful clan with a history of insubordination.Kentoku (ken-TOE-koo): the archipelago of islands on which Dasaka society lives.Menti (MEN-tee): the warrior class, and the title for those in that class; descriptor for a being trained in one or more psionic disciplines.Ringti (RING-tee): the artisan class, and the title those in that class.Rora (ROE-rah): the empress of the Kentoku Archipelago; almost always a Datsue individual. The next in line to be Rora is known as the Chojo (SHOW-joe).Saihoko (seye-HO-koh): the merchant and nautical class, and the title those in that class. Can be abbreviated to "Hoko," an offensive term.Toroshu (toh-roh-SHOO): a member of the nobility with command over a clan. Second only to the Rora in terms of authority, though oftentimes the military clout of a Toroshu will be stronger than that of the Rora. Toroshu are usually Dasaka individuals.Umbraline (UMM-brah-lean): an ancient clan currently in charge of the Dasaka Empire.

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2. KENTOKU SOCIETY & HISTORYCivilization on the Kentoku Archipelago is a highly regulated matriarchal machine. From the Rora, the empress, down to the lowliest Saihoko fisherwoman, every Dasaka knows her place and her duty within the machine. Law is strict, but usually benevolent. Tradition and respect are highly valued.

Society on the Archipelago is defined by bloodlines, which supersede almost everything else. Dasaka owe loyalty to their families, and as such society is divided into interrelated clans – made up of one or more families, each led by a female Toroshu – all vying for power. Blood bonds, courtship, and fleeting alliances define the political game among the notable clans, a game that is played beneath the watchful eye of the Rora.

In the ancient past, though, the Archipelago was without a presiding empress. The Dasaka clans of ages ago were like prides of lions: wild, and led by warring males. Impulsive, quick to anger, and with little regard for the lives of their female soldiers, the warlords battled over everything from lands to mere swords. Though the warlords were strong - their mental powers were unconstrained by the modern disciplines - their haughty pride blinded them to the growing discontent of their subjects. Unified by the First Mother (who, legend has it, was in fact the Great Spirit Zuto Nui, descended from the sky) the Datsue elders of all the clans of Kentoku met in secret and arranged the overthrow of the males. There followed a revolution, and the first sovereign Council of Datsue assumed power.

For a good while, a Datsue Council presided over all the clans. The peace that endured under the rule of the Datsue was uneasy, though; bad blood between the clans still ran deep, and the lieutenants of the old warlords were not without ambition. Using the Datsue's frailty, scholarly tendencies, and military impotence against them, these lieutenants turned the opinion of their clans against the Datsue Council, and cooperatively staged a coup. Thus, the first Toroshu came to power. Though they had scorned the Datsue's leadership, the Toroshu kept in place many of the Datsue Council's innovations that benefited them, including the subjugation of males, and the separation of the Menti Disciplines.

It wasn't long before the Kentoku Archipelago was again split by war. The War of the Sea (so named because it was bottomless) was waged across generations, and many honorable clans perished in the struggle. When peace was finally reached, the remaining Toroshu decided to elect an empress, one who could act as arbiter for their future disputes and prevent such a war from ever happening again. The impartial matriarch of Clan Umbraline, seen by most of the Toroshu as wise and calm, was chosen; the ambitious Toroshu of Clan Fursic, whose armies had won the war, never forgave the insult to her family.

The rule of the Umbralines has continued ever since. Punctuated here and there by Fursic uprisings and attempted coups, and the occasional inter-clan war, the age of the Rora has been one of prosperity upon the Kentoku Archipelago.

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3. THREE VIRTUESThe Dasaka, like the Matoran, hold three virtues paramount. The Dasaka’s virtues, like the Dasaka themselves, might seem at a glance to be a warped reflection of what exists on Mata Nui. The Dasaka do not, in fact, revere the Great Spirit Mata Nui; they venerate a completely different Great Spirit, Zuto Nui, and they fear her sister, the evil Zataka. Zuto Nui's three virtues, the central pillars of Kentoku society, are as follows: Order – Always respect your place on the social ladder, in the family, and in the clan. Never go against the caste system or cause entropy in society.Power – Strive to be better than you are, stronger than you are; become as powerful and resilient you can become. Always act to improve yourself and your clan.Honor – Make your actions reflect positively on your clan and your fellow Dasaka. Give elders, betters, and teachers the respect that they are due. Be humble, be courteous, and be courageous.

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4. CASTESWhen it comes to loyalties in Kentoku society, family ties are superseded only by the Archipelago’s long-standing caste system. There are four castes in Kentoku society: Menti, Dashi, Ringti, and Saihoko.

Menti (Warrior Class: mostly Dasaka, and the rare Datsue)

The warrior caste of society, and the highest tier. While this entire caste is generally referred to as “Menti”, within this caste there are three further ranks: Rora, Toroshu, and Menti Warrior.

At the very top of the Kentoku hierarchy is the Empress, the Rora. While the Rora retains unassailable authority in name and prestige, she has little actual military power, that resting chiefly in the Toroshu below her. In essence, the Rora is a figurehead of the Dasaka species, not its true leader. Nevertheless, what the Rora says carries much weight, as she can bestow punishments or rewards upon anyone she wishes. The Rora acts as an arbiter of inter-clan disputes.

Immediately below the Rora in terms of political power are the Toroshu. They are the generals and the diplomatic heads of their respective clans. In practically everything, especially in war, Toroshu hold absolute power, as all Menti warriors are instructed to obey their Toroshu before all else. Under a Toroshu is generally a web of nobility and lieutenants.

Menti warriors, the soldiers and guards of the empire, answer directly to their Toroshu both in peace and wartime. Menti warriors are trained in particular disciplines of combat to become deadly soldiers, the muscle of a Toroshu's power. A handful of Menti warriors serve the Rora directly as peacekeepers and guards on Sado.

Dashi (Worker Class: generally Dashi)

The second tier of society, the Dashi class is comprised of farmers and other manual laborers. Great value is given to those who work, so the simple farmer and peasant are the next-highest rank after the warriors and nobility.

According to Kentoku ideals and work ethic, farmers are superior to artisans and merchants because they produce the food that all the other classes depended upon. The Dashi also make up the majority of the population, and therefore represent the near entirety of the workforce and taxable income. The lives of Dashi are simple and safe; it’s seen as extremely dishonorable (and impractical) to slay a Dashi.

Ringti (Artisan Class: generally Dashi, and occasionally Dakasa)

Third tier of society, the Ringti class is made up of skilled workers. Although artisans produce many beautiful and necessary goods, such as clothes, cooking utensils, weapons, etc, they are considered less important than the farmers. Even skilled weapon makers and boat wrights belong to this third tier of society on the archipelago.

The artisan class lived in its own section of the major cities, segregated from the Menti (who usually lived in the Toroshu's castles), and from the lower merchant class. They usually live comfortably, as imperial quotas and tariffs regulate the supply and demand for goods, and a profit is almost always turned.

The Dasaka individuals in the Ringti class are usually crystal smiths, who use their abilities as Mindarms and Soulswords to craft fine crystal objects, such as buildings and weapons. There is a specialized school in Sado that trains crystal smiths to apply Menti powers to delicate tasks.

Ringti inventors are treated with fickleness by society. The Menti leaders are generally adverse to technological advancement, as it goes against tradition, but some of the more shrewd ones are willing to disregard this pride if a truly useful invention, such as the submersible, is created. Ringti generally have thick skin against critics, and so will celebrate these victories rather than wallow in their rejections.

Saihoko (Merchant Class: generally Dashi)

Merchants occupy the bottom rung of the Dasaka’s feudal society: traveling traders, shopkeepers, and even sailors are placed here. Merchants are ostracized as "parasites" that profit from the labor of the more productive peasant and artisan classes, and despite their essential role in society, most other Dasaka revile them.

Not only do merchants live in a separate section of each city; the higher classes are generally forbidden to mix with them, unless on business. Nonetheless, many merchant families are able to amass large fortunes through their hard work and business sense, and force their ways into higher castes.

It is common to insult someone by calling them a “Saihoko”, or even “Hoko” for short, representing the lowest of the low.

Datsue (Outside class system)

The Dasaka species equivalent to the Turaga exist as a general rule outside the caste system, having lived a long time and now retired from their previous careers to become respected advisers and holy women. Their elder status earns them freedom within the Archipelago, and they are free to pursue whatever they wish.

While they are an integral part of the traditional Kentoku hierarchy, Datsue are simultaneously above and separate from it. They are the keepers of the history and knowledge on the archipelago, and the ones that perform the spiritual and symbolic ceremonies important to the Dasaka. The Datsue serve those who seek understanding and counsel. They help prepare new Menti for their training and give sage counsel to the young as well as the old.

In times of great crisis, it is the Datsue who act as judge and jury, ferreting out the dishonorable and administering justice according to the ancient laws. Most Toroshu work in tandem with a Datsue, relying on the elders as advisers.

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5. GENDER IMBALANCE

Female/Male birth rate – about 40:1

Because of the imbalanced gender ratio on the Kentoku Archipelago, males are rare; as such, they are highly prized within society as both reproducers and aggressive warriors. After a male is born, the Toroshu of his clan isolates him at a young age, sending him to Sado to be trained as a fierce Menti warrior. After extensive training – males are almost always taught in two disciplines of the mind – they are generally assigned as companions or bodyguards to high-ranking females. Only familial First Sons, the eldest males of prominent clans, escape such duties.

Ironically, males have virtually no rights save those defined within their specialized role in society; male Dasaka are, due to their value, perhaps the most completely controlled by the caste system. The birth of a male in a family can instantly gain that family status; conversely, the death of a male prior to his apprenticeship will cast a family into the deepest shame. Most females will never have offspring, this task being either regulated to those higher in the caste system or saved as rare gifts for acts of service or bravery. To mate and bear offspring with a male is considered a great honor.

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6. MENTI POWERS
Menti warriors fight using different psionic powers. To limit their warriors' strength as individuals (advancing the virtue of Order) and to turn their Menti warriors into specific tactical weapons, the ancient council of Datsue split Menti training long ago into several different disciplines. The discipline or disciplines a Dasaka will study depends upon her pre-existing affinities and aptitudes – tested at the beginning of her training – and on her rank in society. While no discipline is inherently better the next, students of each tend to believe their practice is the superior one.The higher on the ladder of power one ascends, the more schools are open to be learned. All Menti are trained in at least one school. With more experience and military rank, it is possible for Menti to attain a second discipline. Powerful, exceedingly rare Menti known as Battlemasters are proficient with three; only the heroes of legend were rumored to have been able to use all four psionic powers. The disciplines are as follows: Soulswords, Sighteyes, Mindarms, and Willhammers.

Soulsword Discipline (Psychophysical Energy)

Allows the user to harness psionic energy and, to an extent, use it in the physical world. A rudimentary and less precise Soulsword ability is to take psionic energy and whip it at foes, most often as a blunt attack. Fully experienced Soulswords, however, can form and mold the same raw psionic energy into a physical weapon, breaking the barrier between mental and physical attacks. The psychophysical weapon produced is made of shimmering, dripping and solid energy, and it can be used in lieu of a normal physical weapon. Soulsword students, however, must choose only one weapon shape to study, as an incredible familiarity with that weapon is essential to its effective use. Soulswords may only summon ONE psychophysical weapon at a time.Weakness of the Discipline: Soulswords’ training in recognizing and resisting other disciplines of the mind – the illusions of Sighteyes and the influence of Willhammers – is minimal, as most of their time is devoted to the rigorous endurance conditioning necessary to maintaining their weapons in extended combat. Soulswords are also rarely aware of the line between their reserves of physical and elemental energy in the heat of battle.

Sighteye Discipline (Illusion)Allows the practitioner to create and maintain illusions that can fool all five senses. Sighteyes can make their enemies believe anything they wish by overriding the sensory receivers of that enemy's mind and replacing those feeds of information with fictional information. A Sighteye's illusions are utterly convincing when maintained properly, so much that they can fool the deceived into believing almost anything. A highly trained Sighteye can make themselves basically invisible by replacing their appearance, scent, sound, and etc. with other sensory perceptions. A Sighteye, however, cannot fully eliminate an enemy's senses, only change what they are sensing. Sighteyes can target multiple minds at once, though the more sets of senses they are fooling, the more energy it will take them to do so successfully.Weakness of the Discipline: Sighteyes, when performing convincing illusions, cannot move. To leave the mental plane long enough to even, say, take a step, would immediately break the Sighteye's projected deceptions.

Mindarm Discipline (Telekinesis)

Allows the practitioner to moving objects by mental force. This schools trains in the art of manipulating physical objects with the mind, and Mindarms are able to lift, push, pull, shove, or throw objects using only their mental prowess. Simple actions, such as throwing objects in battle, are very basic and take little concentration for a Mindarm. More delicate or complex motions, however, require more finesse and focus to be done correctly. Objects in motion, such as projectiles, also take far greater skill to manipulate than static ones. The larger an object that a Mindarm is trying to influence is, the more rapidly it will tire them to move. Limited levitation is possible to advanced Mindarms, who have the ability to lift and toss themselves in a controlled manner.Weakness of the Discipline: Mindarms have the most physically strenuous Menti discipline, since they are often involved in other bodily action at the same time as they are wielding their powers. As such, they tend to burn out relatively quickly.

Willhammer Discipline (Mental Entry)

Allows the practitioner to see into, enter into, and interact with the minds of other beings. A Willhammer can thus press their will upon others through honeyed thoughts, sheer force, or other forms of mental deception. Willhammers can project emotions, words, images, and subliminal thoughts into their minds of choice, and are as such the only Menti able to converse telepathically with non-Menti (such a conversation occurring inside the mind of the subject). Since Willhammers can more or less see what the subject of their power is thinking, they generally understand the best way to convince others to follow their will on a case-by-case basis. Willhammers can only affect one being at a time. Mental entry is, in its nature, a one-sided negotiation of wills; as such, it does not work automatically. Its power can be resisted if the entered mind has an abnormally strong will or sense of self.Weakness of the Discipline: Willhammers, unless extraordinarily skilled, are hardly ever able to convince their enemies to do exactly what they seek, even if their intended puppet has submitted to the Willhammer's wishes. Their discipline also requires much concentration, and as such restricts most bodily movement.

Ideatalk (Telepathy)

A minor discipline that allows the practitioner to communicate with other Menti. It is the first skill taught to every Dasaka during their training; as such, all proficient Menti have the ability to "speak" with one another via thought. Telepathic communication basically works like a radio: an individual will project the words/images they wish to communicate onto the mental plane, where others can selectively pick up the “transmission” with mental plane access. Every Menti (indeed, every sapient being) has a different "feel" on the mental plane; this is how when multiple Menti are communicating at once, they can distinguish different streams of consciousness from one another, or sense approaching beings on the mental plane. Telepathy grows more difficult and less accurate as distance increases.

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7. CLANSWhile there are dozens of families and clans that inhabit the Kentoku Archipelago, three stand taller than the rest: Clan Umbraline, Clan Fursic, and Clan Dastana. It is these three monolith clans that carry the most political clout, and the actions they take affect all other families in the Empire. Most minor clans loosely ally themselves to whichever of the three leading clans best represents their interests.

Clan UmbralineThe Umbralines can trace their history, ancestry, and bloodline back to the creation of the Empire, and have held power for a long time. They are staunch defenders of the old ways, a voice arguing for conservative stability in an otherwise tumultuous political scene. Despite making up a minority (albeit a large one) of the Dasaka population, the Umbralines are unquestioningly the most influential of the clans; the current Rora, Yusanora, was the Umbraline family’s matriarch before her ascension, and although her current position separates her from the management of her clan, her favor is still felt. The Umbralines contribute a majority of the Willhammers to the Menti ranks (as this is their clan discipline). While not always adverse to change, the Umbralines are highly conservative, more willing to rely on tried-and-true customs and technology than new inventions and ideas. Umbralines tend to be the diplomats and mediators of the empire.

Clan FursicThe Fursics are an old clan with a long history and an even longer list of grievances. Their family has had a grudge against the Umbralines for as long as anyone can remember; they’re resentful of the Umbralines’ power, and frustrated after several failed coups – attempted in the past – by members of their family (which more astute Fursics always try to distance themselves from, calling such acts of infidelity to the Rora “ancient history”). Though less populous than the Umbralines, the Fursics have twice as much land at their disposal, which is ironic since they do not have the numbers to properly care for and defend such vast territory. The Fursics provide to the Empire with many Sighteyes, as this is their clan discipline. Many Dasaka outside the family are convinced that it is through deception and cheating that the Fursics have come to amass and cling to such power within the Empire, even despite their notoriety. Fursics tend to be the informants and spies of the empire.

Clan DastanaOne of the youngest Clans to come to power, and one of the most unusual, the Dastana Clan are more of a confederacy than one single family. Originally a group of Saihoko, this family became so wealthy and powerful through their shrewd mercantile business and inventions (notably among these, the submersible) that over time they gained enough influence to buy their way into the upper clans. This above all else is the reason that other clans universally despise the Dastana. Nevertheless, there are few that would dare touch them: the Dastana hold the purse strings of the empire. They are neither the most populous nor militarily strong of the clans, but they control the merchant and artisan castes, and therefore hold the majority of the money in the Empire, forcing everyone to put up with them. The Fursics despise the Dastana, while the Umbraline remain cool, if not friendly, with them. The Dastana have, over the last few centuries, provided many Mindarms – their clan discipline – to the Empire, cleverly mated into influential families, and performed acts of political subterfuge (to rival even those of the Fursics) on their road to power. The Dastana tend to be the merchants, artisans, inventors, and moneychangers of the empire.

Minor Clans

Clan Ageru: This medium-sized farming clan contributes a very significant proportion of the Archipelago's food supply. The majority of the Ageru's civilian population are Dashi harvesters, who work and live on the clan's swathes of fertile land on Odaiba. The Ageru's prolific harvests give them a certain degree of political clout; an army, after all, marches on its stomach. The Ageru are an old clan; historically, they have almost always been firm supporters of the Umbralines and the Empire. Ageru philosophy puts a lot of emphasis on the old ways of honor, tradition, and dutiful service. Besides food production, Clan Ageru is also known for producing talented Soulswords; members of other clans are known to joke - though rarely within earshot of an Ageru Menti - that these Soulswords' skill can be credited to all that time around scythes and sickles. Agerus' discipline and skill earn them no small amount of respect; an officer is always happy to have an Ageru Soulsword under her command. Clan Leader

Clan Daikura: The Daikura have devoted themselves to preserving knowledge of the Menti disciplines and passing the sacred knowledge on to successive generations. It is the Diakura who chiefly preside over the School of the Mind at the Yards on Sado, where all Menti are trained in the psionic disciplines. Since they own no land here (the school itself is a part of the Imperial Palace, and so is owned by the Rora; the Daikura, legally, are only its custodians), the Daikura must hold lands elsewhere in order to be recognized as a clan. Their territory is confined to a valley on the lower slopes of Mount Koshiki; it is a fertile area, and its farms produce abundant crops, fertilized by the old volcanic soil. At the head of the valley is their castle, Tarakona. Politically, Clan Diakura is conservative, though not quite as much as their Umbraline associates. They honor the virtue of Power most among the three, as could be expected of those who study the magical disciplines of their race. The Daikura have no clan discipline, since they must have members who are masters of each discipline in order to give instruction in them all. Clan Leader

Clan Eiyu: An old clan of small size, the Eiyu have been, since their inception, a clan dedicated to melding philosophy and combat. Located primarily on Odaiba, their home there is a modest castle surrounded by enough farmland to sustain themselves and, if harvests are good, to take a little to market on Sado each year. The Eiyu's relative insignificance in most areas - economic, militaristic, and agricultural - would have confined their clan to obscurity long ago, had it not been for their distinguishing philosophies. The Eiyu are some of the most prominent scholars and philosophers on the Archipelago, and their theories about unity across the Mental Plane have led to the creation of their clan's most prized skill: the Twin Souls. The Twin Souls is a training method between two Menti Warriors wherein the discipline of Ideatalk is so heightened that the two practitioners, incredibly familiar in each others' minds, can respond together in battle with the speed of instinct. The Eiyu are, in their own words, scholars first, and warriors second. They never seek out a fight, though they are more than willing to defend themselves, and others, if need be. Clan Leader

Clan Herupa: Clan Herupa is reputed for providing advisers, assistants and bodyguards for the other clans. Clan Herupa’s penchant for providing loyal subordinates to other clans has given them a respect of Order and Honor beyond that of other minor clans. The Herupa are based close to the southern end of Oki in a small complex large enough to hold the few Herupa families that live there. During the early stages of life, Herupa children are raised like anyone else in the Menti caste, and upon reaching a mastery of their skills as warriors, they are withdrawn from Sado and taken back to the Herupa compound on Oki. It is there they are trained to act to not only defend their masters, but to give aid and advice should they be required to do so. Upon completing this training, Herupa Menti offer their services to a master, who agrees to house them, treat them with respect, and pay them a set wage for their duties. In return, the Herupa clan member will then swear utmost loyalty to her new master, and serve that master for life. Herupa who betray their oaths of loyalty are invariably executed by their own clan in return for their treachery. Clan Leader

Clan Hogo: This small clan serves as loyal retainers of the Rora's line, considering it their duty to protect the authority of the Rora and the treasures that lie within the Imperial Palace. Traditionally, the Hogo have tried to stay aloof of inter-clan disputes, the better to concentrate on this sacred duty. However, the Hogo's current Toroshu has taken a greater interest than her predecessors in the activities of the other clans, and for the first time in ages, she is directing the Hogo to become more involved in politics. As such, the Hogo are currently suffering a quiet crisis between those who wish to remain out of clan politics and those who fully support their Toroshu's actions. Although supposedly a neutral clan devoted to the Rora alone, the Hogo are most prone to taking the side of the Umbralines, seeing the Fursics as treacherous vipers. They are, though, slightly less conservative (or more pragmatic) than the Umbralines, and are willing to tolerate the Dastana for their contributions to the imperial treasury. Clan Leader

Clan Kyoshi: An offshoot clan of the Dastana, Clan Kyoshi was once the clan that provided most of the Archipelago's theoretical scientific discoveries, covering everything from medicine to mathematics. However, with their current Toroshu on the brink of death and with no chosen heir, a war of succession has broken out within the once peaceful clan as to who should become the next leader. This has caused the Kyoshi, splintered into competing factions, to retreat as a whole from the public eye. Their clan is mostly made up of Ringti scholars who are renowned across the Archipelago for their discoveries; with the clan's current internal turmoil, though, most of these non-combatant scholars have gone into hiding. Clan Kyoshi is odd in that in addition to a given name and the name of the clan, members of the clan also usually carry a third name, their original family name. The inclusion of these names is to help the component families within the greater Kyoshi clan remember their individual histories... lately, of course, it's only helped the Kyoshi remember their own disunity. Clan Leader

Clan Mamoru: The Mamoru are a clan dedicated to mining and shaping Crystalline Protodermis. The Mamoru reside principally on Iki - where they mine a majority of their marketable crystal - but also hold small settlements around the Archipelago near other mineral sites. Many Mamoru Dasaka choose to live below the ground, as they feel this brings them more in touch with the earth; other clans usually refer to such practices as "mine madness." The Mamoru do little to discredit these impressions; in fact, thrill-seeking young members of their clan notoriously entertain themselves by jumping straight down long mine shafts with only bouncy cords to save them from the mortal plunge. A fairly old clan, the Mamoru tend to favor the clan in power, as much of their crystal is bought for Imperial projects. Menti from this clan are typically disciplined either as Soulswords (to mine the crystals out of the earth) or Mindarms (to carry the mined crystals to the surface to be sold), and very few are trained for combat. Clan Leader

Clan Mashtet: This insular clan, hailing from a small island north of Odaiba and Kozui called Hanaloi, was known in its heyday for providing the Empire with lumber. Most famously, Mashtet artisans utilized both the Mindarm and Sighteye disciplines to create their signature artwork: Mashtet carvings, precisely carved crystal, inlaid in wood, imbued with semi-persistent illusions which had to be renewed by a Mashtet carver annually. But, several years ago, the Mashtet compound was discovered completely empty. There were no signs of a struggle, nor any clues as to where the Mashtet people had disappeared to. Not even Mashtet clan members that were elsewhere within the Archipelago at the time of the mysterious event, such as training Menti or traveling Saihoko, can imagine what happened. Most of these Mashtet strugglers mourned before being absorbed by other clans. The number that have remained publicly Mashtet can be counted on one hand. Thus, Clan Mashtet is also known colloquially as the Lost Clan, and their old homeland Hanaloi is considered haunted. Clan Leader

Clan Plangori: Made up of mostly dye artisans, Clan Plangori is a large but fairly weak clan based on Odaiba. Their village is located in the heart of the jungle, far from the prying eyes of other clans. They are known for creating the sumptuous dyed fabrics that adorn rich residents of Kentoku, and the less advantaged on special occasions. They also are the only Ringti who can produce the deep, superb colors that adorn the royal family. Though Plangori is an ancient clan with ties to Umbraline, their nature requires them to keep a neutral stance, as it is to their advantage to gain sponsorship from as many clans as possible. In addition, because they are so insular they are beholden to Saihoko to sell their work. The few Plangori Menti are trained as either Sighteyes or Willhammers, and are largely responsible for guarding the clans secrets from other Menti. The remaining members of the clan include Dashi, which breaking with tradition are often hunter-gatherers, and a few Saihoko merchants, who though generally looked down on have done very well for themselves. A few Plangori Saihoko act as clerks throughout the islands, taking orders from important clients and displaying the clan’s newest and most expensive works. Clan Leader

Clan Roku:Clan Roku builds and maintains the Kentoku Archipelago's infrastructure. Roku architects and builders are widely viewed as the best in their fields, and the standards to which they hold themselves are quite strict. The Roku pride themselves on more than their craftsmanship, though; they also proudly uphold the three virtues of Zuto Nui, considering those to be the strongest foundations of all. Though Clan Roku's size is considerable for a minor clan, it is nevertheless seen as nonthreatening in the scheme of inter-clan relations. The Roku are known for their neutrality in political affairs; they are roughly split even between conservatives, who trust tried-and-true stabilities, and liberals, who seek to create a more beautiful universe. The Roku's scattered politics are enabled in part by the sporadic, constantly shifting dispersion of their clan, as their work requires members to "island-hop" for most of their working lives. Only a few Roku maintain their clan's ancestral castle on Iki and the University of Structure in the Towers of Knowledge on Sado. Clan Leader

Taajar Culture: The Taajars are a nomadic people distinct from the Dasaka's dominant 'Imperial' culture. They live in fenced villages in isolated areas of the Archipelago, where they usually reside in wooden longhouses. Taajar warriors are highly trained in physical weapon combat - a rarity for Menti warriors - and bear exotic blades and armor; because of their temporal fixation, however, Taajar warriors are usually less practiced with Menti disciplines than their Imperial counterparts. The Taajar are primarily a trade-oriented people; a great deal of them live in tents outside cities or clan holdings to barter more easily. This affinity for trade, however, has relegated almost all Taajars to the status of Saihoko in the eyes of Imperial Dasaka. Other areas Taajars specialize in are the breeding of animals and glassblowing. They have their own language, Vulgar Taa, and are quite proud of their past. The Taajars have learned to live within the Dasaka Imperial caste structure, and can speak fluent "Common." In antiquity, the Taajars were a large barbarian hoard, who were defeated by the Dasaka in battle, and saved from destruction by the Rora. Since then, they have maintained a strict policy of neutrality in Kentoku affairs. Culture Creator

Clan Vilda: One of the small clans on the island of Oki, the Vilda took it upon themselves long ago to protect Kentoku's endangered flora and fauna. The Vilda care little about the politics of the Empire so long as their arrangement with Sado stands: in exchange for supplying and caring for the Imperial Gardens' rarer specimens, Clan Vilda is given any foods or materials they cannot obtain on their own. The Vilda count among their number prodigious Willhammers who use their talents to communicate through images and emotions with animals. Many Vilda Willhammers form relationships with companion birds; they enter the minds of these birds and see through the animals' eyes, using this ability to scout surrounding areas for possible dangers. It is widely believed that that the Vilda practice strict breeding policies; individuals from the Vilda clan are amongst the most beautiful in the Empire, to the anger of many envious Fursics. The current Vilda Toroshu wants to make the clan wholly self-sufficient, should the opportunity arise. Clan Vilda's beauty, efforts to preserve nature, and general absence from the sullied world of politics have made them rather admired and appreciated by most other clans. Clan Leader

~~~

8. INDIVIDUALS OF NOTE

UMBRALINES

Yumiwa (you-MEE-wah), Rora of the EmpireRayuke (ray-OO-kay), Umbraline First Son, Imperial Executioner, and brother of Yusanora

Inokio (inn-OH-kee-oh), First Son of Clan Korae, tutor of Yumiwa, a Battlemaster

Ikori (ee-KOHR-ee), Kuno's handmaiden, a Herupa

Nurora (new-ROH-rah), Toroshu of a small and respected family, leader of the first expedition to Mata NuiTsura (t-SUE-rah), Datsue with a motherly temperament and a wry humor, was on the first expedition to Mata NuiNihi (KNEE-hee), Menti warrior who was chosen for the first expedition to Mata Nui, an Eiyu

~~~

9. VISUAL ASPECTS OF CULTUREVezok's Friend has done several artworks of the Kentoku Archipelago and its denizens, which should serve as good indicators as to the general nature of appearances in Dasaka society.

Dasaka are all various hues and balances of blue and gold. How blue vs. how gold they are, what hues they are, and that sort of thing does not denote/align with caste. The visual way castes are distinguished is by their apparel; where high-ranking Menti will wear rich fabrics and intricate crystal armor - ceremonial garments - Saihoko generally clothe themselves in pragmatic water/windproof ponchos and the like.

Colors worn by Menti are usually those of their clan. Almost all cloth Kuno owns, for instance, is dominantly red, because that's the Fursic color. The Umbraline color is officially purple, and the Dastana wear various tints of yellow. Minor clans usually have to settle for two-color schemes in their regalia, since single colors have almost all been taken by older and more powerful ones.The Rora and her family can wear whatever colors they wish, to reinforce the idea that they are separate from and above clan politics.

White and black, though, are usually not among these colors. Here's what white and black generally represent in Dasaka culture, and how they're used:

Unaccented white and black garments are traditionally only worn by their respective genders, and only worn for occasions of great ceremony such as the passage of power, the union of two individuals, or the eulogy of one who has died.

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Ever since she'd been a child, Sato had liked the island of Odaiba much more than Sado. The Imperial Palace and the city surrounding it, while beautiful, were cramped, and nature's call was so gone from that place that Sato could hardly stand it. Odaiba, however, was much nicer. Gently rolling hills leading to Mount Koshiki, green fields, orchards and even a few untamed forests...it was beautiful, and easily accessible from her family's home on Sado. While it was no Oki, it was still wonderful, and more calm than Oki ever was.[/color][/font]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]So there she sat on a hill in Odaiba, in some unclaimed land - left for a park more than anything, though it wasn't often frequented, with so many more Dasaka preferring the comforts of the Imperial city and the proximity to the Rora over the calm, gentle art of nature - looking out on Sado, on the Imperial Palace. She had family there - every Umbraline was family, and the Imperial family moreso to her - who were nice people. Soulswords, rather than Willhammers, but still respected members of the Umbraline clan. Still...even most of them were wont to stay on Sado and in the Imperial city, rather than to come to Odaiba.So Sato sat alone. Once in a while, there were a few she could speak to there, though not many, but truth be told, she somewhat preferred the time alone as well. She wasn't highly social, she was more of a wallflower, her parents had said; no wonder. Still, every once in a while she did get a little lonely...No matter. The view was oftentimes friend enough to her, and the wind providing a song to calm her. So she sat, and rested, watching as the city out on another island bustled about life.[/color][/font]

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei walked briskly through the scenic, rolling hills of Odaiba. Most other Dasaka would have paused to take in the beautiful countryside, but Sanei had no time. She was slightly behind schedule as it was.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]She'd always known that taking that vacation was a bad idea. She hadn't enjoyed a second of it, besides her exercises- there was so much more she could be doing. Sure, sure, she was always doing something. She'd never become famous for taking a vacation, after all.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei, realizing that her companion (for lack of a better term for someone so lacking in status) had fallen behind, glanced around. There was someone up on a hill, but that wasn't her... oh, there she was. "Eshai! Do try and keep up, will you?"[/color]

It was with as brisk a pace as she could manage that she followed after Sanei. Sanei knew that her armor slowed down her motions somewhat, but she didn't even seem to think it worth remembering, instead deciding to complain abut her being slower. This armor was the reason she had been hired, because she looked downright terrifying, but no, Sanei wanted both speed and strength at the same time while paying as little as she could.

Despite this, Eshai wasn't going to complain. She was not part of any clan, hers having broken up long enough ago that no one would probably ever care to remember its name. She held no political power of any kind, all that remained was her fighting skills. The very fact that someone of a caste as high as Sanei's would even think of hiring her as a body guard was nearly unbelievable.

Within the blink of an eye, she was standing right beside her employer, her mask having carried her the distance in a single moment. As soon as she appeared, she quickly fell into line behind Sanei once more.

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Oh, so there were others there. Sato smiled, slightly - hearing the voice, it sounded somewhat familiar, as did the appearance of the person who was calling. A cousin, perhaps? Probably so. That stiff-backed gait, the haughty demeanor...probably one of the more distantly related cousins of Sato's, in the Umbraline clan. She might actually know just who that was.[/color][/font]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Raising a hand, Sato waved at the pair that was walking below her. After all, there was no point in not acknowledging them, and she didn't want to appear rude to any family, or friends of family. That wouldn't be proper at all.[/color][/font]

[color=#0000cd;]"Good," was Sanei's only acknowledgement of Eshai's quick response. She could have communicated with Eshai telepathically, but Sanei considered such an action to be beneath her. She was a Menti warrior of Clan Umbraline, after all.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]After a few moments, Sanei decided that it was probably a good idea to take a break- but, of course, she'd never admit it. Instead, she stopped and turned to face Sado, which glittered in the sun. "Look at that, Eshai. No place quite like it, is there?" Her canteen floated upwards in response to her mental command. She caught it and took a drink, not offering any to Eshai. Being a Mindarm was unusual for an Umbraline, but one could only take tradition so far.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]She decided to try and strike up a conversation with Eshai- after all, she was Sanei's bodyguard, even if she was lower than a 'Hoko. "Where was your clan from, Eshai? I always forget."[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]Out of the corner of her eye, she saw motion. It was the person up on the hill waving at them. Promptly forgetting about her attempt at making conversation, she waved back and said, "Eshai, go find out who that is."[/color]

Her response to the question on Sado was a nod. There really wasn't mush to say on the matter, as she couldn't care less. There was nothing beautiful left on the islands in her opinion, everything had been covered in an overwhelming field of apathetic grey that blocked out any sense of beauty the world might have once had. There had never been a place as nice as her own home, as small as it had been. But saying so to Sanei would be a terrible idea.

"My clan is from -" She was stopped as Sanei's fickle attention switched away from bringing up things that Eshai did not wish to share. It was a relief to be sent to see who was on the hill, it meant getting a few moments away from Sanei's constantly insulting attitude, no matter how much it was deserved.

Within a moment, she stood before Sato, her savage mask with an ever present and very sinister grin. "Who is it that waves at Sanei of Clan Umbraline?"

The sound of crystal being slowly chiseled into a monument of the present. Nasang had always enjoyed her duty. She couldn't imagine life as a warrior, nor as a parasitical merchant. Life as one of the rulers was unimaginable.

So Nasang paid those thoughts no attention. She merely chiseled away, her Kanohi combined with her Mindarm Menti allowing her to make accurate marks that fulfilled the vision she had been given for the sculpture with absolute precision. She had been requested to create a sculpture in commemoration for the creation of a new building, and Nasang complied.

As she neared what she decided would be a 'half-way point', Nasang returned the tools she had been using to the table, and sat down on a rest bench she had prepared beforehand. Nasang had the constitution of the average member of her species, and using both her Kanohi, and Menti wore her out quite quickly. With a sigh, Nasang relaxed on the bench, trying to catch a hold of her breath, and wipe away the perspiration that she was secreting. She might have felt incredibly tired, but it was the good sort of tired. The kind that you got doing the things you enjoyed.

[color=#008080;][font="georgia, serif;"]When the large, hulking Menti - for Sato could recognize that this Dasaka carried herself as befit a Menti - was sent over to her, Sato cocked her head in curiosity. Would this other not come speak to her herself? Oh well. So Sato leaned back on her arms, legs crossed, as Eshai came up to her. When she saw the mask that the Menti wore, she almost raised a brow in curiosity, but she decided to ignore it.[/color][/font]

[color=#008080;][font="georgia, serif;"]"Sato of Clan Umbraline waves at her distant cousin," was the Soulsword's reply, as she smiled at Eshai. "Could you bring her over, please?"[/color][/font]

With a nod of response, Eshai vanished back down the hill. It stung, being used as a messenger for such short a distance. Once she had been a great warrior, she would have killed someone for expecting so pathetic a task to be done by her. But what choice did she have? It was do as she was told, or find herself another job, probably something far worse than being the errand runner for a spoiled Sanei.

When she appeared alt the bottom of the hill, she noticed that Sanei had already walked up. Why then, had she felt the need to send her up in the first place? As she once again appeared beside Sanei, there was a dark frown hidden under the smiling mask.

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]"Probably at the court," was Sato's reply, as she turned to look back on Sado. It was interesting, being there, with her cousin the Rora, and her family. Always staying back to guard them, of course, not actually taking part in the court politics, but still. Always interesting. She should probably be getting back soon - nothing important had happened today, but something might be going on tomorrow, or the next day. She should at least check.[/color][/font]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]"What relation are you to the Rora, Sanei?"[/color][/font]

[color=#0000cd;]"Pretty distant," Sanei admitted. She smiled somewhat sheepishly. "Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure. I've always been horrible at keeping track of lineages and such." She thought for a moment, tapping her foot as she did so. "Cousin, I think."[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]"What relation are you, Sato?"[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei looked up at the newcomer. She bowed formally. "I am Sanei of Clan Umbraline." Then, more casually, she addded, "We were just trying to figure out how closely we are related to each other."[/color]

Eshai remained silent, as the conversation held no connection to her. She had no right to speak during such without being asked, as much as she might wish to. She was here to be silent, to be terrifying, and to be a guard. Judging by the look on Sato's face when he had seen her, she was currently failing at the second.

Then another person decided to join in, without even so much as an introduction. It was as though they had no sense of manners. She turned her savage visage towards the person, a cold glare staring out from her eyes. The person would have to wait.

Then Sanei acknowledged them perfectly calmly, and she stood down. She was still quite wary of this newcomer, just as much as of Sato.

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]"We're all cousins if we're Umbralines," Sato said, and smiled. "But I meant, what degree of cousin? I'm something like first or second cousin myself. My family normally stands guard for the Rora." She then turned to the newest one to walk up to them, cocking her head in curiosity, again. How odd, for one to come up to a pair of Umbralines and another Menti, without even offering a name, or bowing, or anything like that. That was almost improper.[/color][/font]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]"Hello," was Sato's greeting to this newcomer, completely disregarding what she was just thinking. "Sanei tells you the truth."[/color][/font]

She could not have cared less about the relations of Clan Umbraline, for it really didn't concern her who was cousins with who. In fact, she found it extremely boring. It was like listening to the family tree of someone you didn't know read aloud. But complaining was something she could not bring herself to do.

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei eyed the newcomer suspiciously. Walking up to two members of the Umbraline clan and then mumbling a sarcastic remark to them, without even giving your name? Ugh. She hadbowed to..... that?[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]Just after she'd had the thought, the newcomer introduced herself. Well, things were looking up for her. "To which clan do you belong, Vatrica?"[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei then turned to Sato. "I'm afraid I can't say that I'm that closely related to the Rora," Sanei said. "Something like third or fourth, maybe? I'll have to look it up when I return to Sado. I don't directly guard the Rora- I'm usually stationed outside the Towers of Knowledge. Pretty dull, but every now and again you learn something."[/color]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Sato nodded at Sanei - and at Vatrica - before turning to Eshai. Hopefully, if Vatrica started to wonder just who Sato was, Sanei would take care to give Sato's name. After all, it would, essentially, be more dutiful for Sanei to do that than to expect Sato to. Or so Sato thought. Familial and Clan-based politics were weird, even within the clan and family.[/color][/font]

Sato had decided to speak to her, calling her Menti. Just hearing herself called that again gave her a surge of memory, though she knew it would fracture apart as soon as the truth can out. But speaking in such a conversation was not her place.

But, she had been spoke to first. It would be terribly rude not to respond. There was a weak smile behind her mask as she spoke. "I am Eshai, the warrior known as The Demoness, and I am no Menti."

[color=#008080;][font="georgia, serif;"]"You carry yourself like a Menti. You function like a Menti, serving one higher up than her. And yet you say you are no Menti." Sato smiled, shaking her head. She turned again, looking out at Sado. The city always cast such interesting pictures on the clouds above, and it was much easier to focus on that, than on the others around. Just ignore them, perhaps. It wouldn't be remiss, would it?Ah, but she was tangled in the conversation now.[/color][/font]

[color=#008080;][font="georgia, serif;"]"You are strange. If you aren't a Menti, what are you?"[/color][/font]

There was a pause before her response, as the situation of her own existence was nearly overwhelming. She was not of any clan, she wasn't of any caste. To describe what she was would be something almost impossible, but slowly an explanation came into her mind.

"I was once a Menti, but my clan is no longer. I am now without clan, I am without caste, I am nothing."

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]"A Dasaka is never without clan, if they remember them, and their caste is never expunged from them," was Sato's reply, as she cocked her head at Eshai. "Once a Menti, always a Menti; once of a clan, always of a clan. Just because it is no longer held together so closely as it was before does not mean that it changes the fundamentals of who you are."[/color][/font]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Sato couldn't quite understand Eshai. To let one misfortune define who you were? That was not proper at all. Not for a Menti. Not for anybody, not even a Saihoku. While it might be ascribed to a simple quirk - the dissolution of a family could be very devastating, after all, and alter one's mindset in many ways - that was no reason to accept it. Eshai was a Menti and would always be a Menti, to Sato, and that was proper. One's caste does not change, not unless one forces it - and even then, that's only climbing up. One would never fall down.[/color][/font]

He family now held no power at all, if there was any left of it beside herself. How could one so closely related to the royalty of the Umbraline see that as merely a single misfortune? Perhaps it was merely her own inexperience with being thrown down without anything standing to stop the fall that lead her to speak in such an optimistic way about Eshai's situation.

But that was not a common belief, most had viewed her with disdain, sometimes considered her to be below even Saihoku. One whos clan was inexistent could not hold power, nor even hope to claim the title of Menti. And even if she had, who would wish to claim an Menti from a clan outside of their own? No, despite the beliefs of Sato, there was no honor left in being the last warrior of a clan no longer alive.

"My clan is not merely fractured, I am the last member surviving that I am aware of. To be without clan is to be without caste. There is no honor left for me."

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]"Your clan has no relation to your caste, Menti," was Sato's quiet reply, before she turned aside from Eshai again. Let her think her clan was so important to her caste, or her view of herself, if she wanted. It was Sato's view that she was wrong, and that would not change. After all, there were Dashi, Menti, and Ringti in every clan, and this was only to be expected; and just because they were in one clan or another, it did not change their caste. Therefore, why should being clanless change your caste? It was foolish to think it would.[/color][/font]

[color=#0000cd;]Well, at least this 'Wrath' seemed to have some manners. Wrath... Wrath.... wait. She had heard that name before... ah, yes. "You're the one that keeps changing loyalties, yes?" Sanei worked hard to keep a tone of disdain out of her voice. She didn't want to start a fight in front of Sato, in case it'd make her look bad.[/color]

[color=#008080;][font="georgia, serif;"]IC:"When an Umbraline asks you a question, it is wisest to answer her," Sato said, slowly turning her gaze to Vatrica. While her words were only quietly said, and not in an unfriendly tone, and her face was still merely curious, there was an inherent threat to be found in them; if not of violence, at the least a threat of chastisement. And while Sato would not administer such chastisement or punishment, she doubted that Sanei would be so disinclined to do it - indeed, she might not even warn the other Dasaka, if she felt they were being rude.[/color][/font]

[color=#008080;][font="georgia, serif;"]"Sanei asked you a question, Vatrica, and all the rest of us heard your introduction of yourself earlier. Please, answer my cousin, and directly - you don't need to veil your answer in meaningless words."[/color][/font]

She thought for a moment upon the name, and like Sanei, she too came to the realization that the title seemed familiar. When one was outside of the culture, the names of others also outside seemed to stand out. But it had been a long time since she had found another that suffered from the same horrible reputation as she did. There was truly no honor in being a masterless warrior.

Then Sato had spoken up, this time in a voice far different from the one that had been used to present honor that was undeserved. It was one with laced with threat. Eshai found she quite licked the previous way of speaking better.

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei narrowed her eyes. Her hand dropped to the hilt of her sword, where it hovered threateningly. Now that Sato had given this 'Wrath' what amounted to a warning, she didn't have to worry about making herself look bad in front of her superior.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]"It would be wise, 'Wrath,' if you addressed my cousin with more respect," Sanei 'suggested,' her threat thinly veiled.[/color]

[font="'times new roman', times, serif;"]A pen scribbled pensively across the surface of a small notebook. Between each line it paused to drink from a bamboo inkwell. Each word was an element, each line a story, the poem an entire life evolving before the reader's eyes: full of emotion unspoken, dreams unfulfilled, thoughts once dreamt and long forgotten.[/font]

Light of Sado,

[font="'times new roman';"]Glittering reflections,[/font]

[font="'times new roman';"]On ocean waters.[/font]

[font="'times new roman';"]To the west lingered the stunning spires of the Towers of Knowledge. Mighty hexagonal prisms who tips vanished into the low summer clouds. Dazzling light reflected from their surface. The great library of Sado stretched out in Kwaiya’s mind, a calm place of meditation and duty. The crystalline palace of literature was stuffed with an infinite pool of wisdom in the words of wise scholars, comedic satires, and tome upon tome of family histories. There were walls dedicated to each Rora’s family heritage, names and crystal faces crawling all the way to the ceiling. Inside the Imperial Library, Kwaiya could stand on the ground floor and look up at the rows of books lining the walls, delicate bridges of transparent turquoise webbing their way through the open interior.[/font]

[font="'times new roman';"]But Kwaiya was not in the library. She stood with her back to the sunlight, eyes gazing out at the dazzling reflections across the narrow channels surface, ocean waves gold and silver rather than blue. There was a sudden and intense longing to dive into the depths of the sea as she dove into the written word, and then as fast as it had come it receded like the tide into a fleeting memory. Kwaiya blinked, returned the inkwell to her satchel, and looked over the poem. Standing on the crystal bridge on the edge of Sado Island it seemed possible to create majestic literature. She knew in reality the page would find the fire of her evening hearth. The cerulean dashi would never bring honor to her family as an author. It was only through the preservation of the written word she might leave her mark in the annals of her clan, an unknown name preserving the most ancient of texts. She gave a sigh, then turned to leave, her feet bringing a gentle hum from the bridge as she walked.[/font]

[font="'times new roman';"]OOC: Kwaiya open for interaction. Dashi Ringti from the Dastana family.[/font]

[color=#000080;]The Dasaka walked along the hills of Odaiba, until eventually she came across a group of other Dasaka. Unfortunately, it seemed as if this group was about to fight in on itself. Then again, it was a bit too quiet on this island, and seeing more Dasaka was nice. "Greetings," Misanoi said to the group, and bowed from a distance. What seems to be the issue? The thought entered everyone's' head-a simple question, simple Ideatalk like everyone had.[/color]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Sato frowned. Her words were not meant to cause either fear - as she thought she may have seen in Eshai, for a moment - nor open invitation to anger and possible violence, as Sanei seemed ready to administer punishment upon this Vatrica. And added to that, another person had arrived, this one a Menti as well. Far too many people. Sato did not respond to the newest arrival, nor to Vatrica - nor did she offer any words of encouragement or discouragement to Sanei, or final advice for Eshai. Everybody could work things out on their own, if it was needed.Instead, Sato simply stood, and bowed to the group, before turning and walking away. She did not like being in close company with so many people, and especially not with tensions as high as they seemed. Where once the conversation had been going well, now it was degenerating quickly, and all because of Sato's attempt to preserve propriety amongst the group. Far too tense, and far too many people all arrayed about her there. Better by far that she might walk away, perhaps just to another resting place, perhaps fully back to Sado. If she started now, she could definitely make it back in time for supper, and it had been a while since she'd had a full supper with her family.[/color][/font]

[font="georgia, serif;"][color=#008080;]Sato nodded to herself. Yes, it would be nice to be back in close, familiar company. Without looking back to the group behind her, Sato continued to walk, towards the shimmering bridge that connected Odaiba and Sado.[/color][/font]

OOC: I spoke to Nuju about this for creating this character and I just thought I should point out that the only people outside of clans and castes that still have a good reputation are the Datsue.

IC: Eshai

The situation was beginning to grow tense, and as she had seen Senai's had rest itself on her sword, she had reached for her own Kanabo in preparation for whatever may occur. She was almost certain that with her mask and strength, she might be able to end a fight before either her or Senai had gotten hurt, but she really didn't want to test her luck.

The arrival of another person broke the tension very quickly, though she certainly didn't like the tone used by Vatrica right afterwards. She didn't move her hand away from her weapon, as that was the main part of her job. She was here to protect Senai, and that wasn't something that she was going to let slip by. If the new arrival, or those already there, decided to try to pull anything, they best be ready for a fierce fight.

It was only the departure of Sato that caused her to slightly lower her guard. The only person who had called her a Menti since the fall of her clan was now leaving the area without so much as a departing word. She didn't need to say a thing for Eshai to feel a sinking feeling of guilt in the pit of her stomach, as if it where soley her own actions that had driven her away.

[color=#0000cd;]Sanei watched, nonplussed, as Sato simply walked away. It appeared that either Sato was crazy (which Sanei doubted) or that Sanei still had a lot to learn before becoming a Menti worthy of the Umbraline name. With some difficulty, she turned her back on Vatrica and walked away as well. Perhaps she would understand Sato better if she acted in the same way. And she didn't have to worry about an attack from behind.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]Having a bodyguard was nice.[/color]

[color=#0000cd;]She bowed quickly to the newcomer, who appeared to be a Menti. "Yes?" Although she just wanted to head back to Sado, or perhaps prolong her vacation (going back to work suddenly seemed less appealing somehow), there was no need to be rude to someone who had just arrived....[/color]